ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal interacts with 15 Ambassadors from African region for strengthening Trade and Investment ties with India
India and Africa share remarkable friendship across decades and have the potential of becoming the powerhouse of future: Shri Goyal
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Textiles, Shri Piyush Goyal hosted fifteen Ambassadors from various countries of the Africa region yesterday in New Delhi. During the interaction with the Ambassadors, the Minister said that India and Africa share remarkable friendship across decades and have the potential of becoming the powerhouse of the future. The event aimed at fostering closer economic cooperation, enhancing trade relations and exploring areas of collaboration between India and Africa.
Shri Piyush Goyal welcomed the Ambassadors and highlighted the significant value of India-Africa relationship. The Minister emphasized the commitment of the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi towards making Africa a top priority and deepening India’s engagement with Africa on a sustained and regular way. He encouraged the heads of missions to work in solidarity and extended a hand of friendship for the growth of the African and Indian sub-continent.
The Minister reiterated that this is the beginning of a new engagement and reaffirmed that India would act as a trusted partner to expand trade, commerce, business, investment and opportunities between the two nations. He said India is open to FTA negotiations bilaterally or individually with African countries or Africa as a whole.
The event witnessed the participation of 15 ambassadors from key African nations namely Algeria, Botswana, Egypt, Ghana, Republic of Guinea, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Morocco, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda and Zimbabwe. It provided a unique platform for diplomatic representatives to engage in fruitful discussions, strengthen bilateral ties, and forge new partnerships for mutual growth and development.
India and Africa share a long-standing history and a strong cultural bond. The African continent presents vast opportunities for Indian businesses, with its rapidly growing population, emerging middle class, and abundant natural resources. Through increased trade and investment, both India and Africa can benefit from each other's strengths and expertise, fostering inclusive growth and job creation.
In addition to economic aspects, the gathering emphasized on the significance of cultural exchanges, people-to-people connections, and strategic collaborations between India and Africa. The event served as a platform to celebrate the rich diversity and heritage of both regions and strengthen the bonds of friendship.
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the revised Air Services Agreement  with Malaysia.
The revised text of ASA was initialed in 2011. However, due to some diversion on Article 13 i.e. related to remittance of earning, the Agreement could not be signed. During the meeting held in ICAN 2016, Malaysian side agreed to revise the text of said article as suggested by M/o Finance, Govt. of India
Features of the Air Services Agreement
• Existing ASA was signed in 1974, hence there is a need to revise, update and modernize the exiting ASA
• Text of existing ASA has been replaced with the new text as per latest ICAO template.
• Cooperative Marketing Arrangement for 3rd country airlines has been added
• Clause on domestic codeshare has been added
• The articles on 'safety and security' have been added in the revised ASA
• The article related to 'intermodal services' have been added in the revised ASA that will permit air passengers and cargo to move through any intermodal transport from any point in the territory of other party.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID - 19 Vaccination Update - Day 386
India’s cumulative vaccination coverage crosses 169 Crore
More than 40 lakh Vaccine doses administered today till 7 pm
India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage hascrossed 169 Crore  today. More than 40lakh  Vaccine Doseshave been administered till 7 pm today. More than 1.46 Crore  Precaution Doses for the identified categories of beneficiaries  for COVID vaccination have been administered so far. The daily vaccination tally is expected to increase with the compilation of the final reports for the day by late tonight.
The cumulative coverage of vaccine doses, segregated based on population priority groups, is as follows:
|
|
Cumulative Vaccine Dose Coverage
|
|
HCWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
10397611
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
9900374
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
3645706
|
|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
18401123
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
17312708
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
4675009
|
|
Age Group 15-18 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
49210081
|
|
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
5578349
|
|
Age Group 18-44 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
544574950
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
415437996
|
|
Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
200951897
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
173896178
|
|
Over 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
125352419
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
108343713
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
6377596
|
|
Cumulative 1st dose administered
|
|
948888081
|
|
Cumulative 2nd dose administered
|
|
730469318
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
14698311
|
|
Total
|
|
1694055710
Today’s achievement in the vaccination exercise, segregated by population priority groups, is as follows:
|
|
Date: 5th February, 2022 
|
|
HCWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
262
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
4588
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
35241
|
|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
496
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
8291
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
77303
|
|
Age Group 15-18 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
343281
|
|
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
962557
|
|
Age Group 18-44 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
490849
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
1293165
|
|
Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
97432
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
300681
|
|
Over 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
70775
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
191885
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
181140
|
|
Cumulative 1st dose administered
|
|
1003095
|
|
Cumulative 2nd dose administered
|
|
2761167
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
293684
|
|
Total
|
|
4057946
The vaccination exercise as a tool to protect the most vulnerable population groups in the country from COVID-19 continues to be regularly reviewed and monitored at the highest level.
Ministry of Home Affairs
Ceasefire with NSCN/NK, NSCN/R & NSCN/K-Khango extended for a year
A Ceasefire is in operation between Government of India and National Socialist Council of Nagaland   and National Socialist Council of Nagaland/Reformation . It was decided to extend the Suspension of Operation with NSCN/NK & NSCN/R for a further period of one year with effect from 28th April, 2019 i.e., till 27th April, 2020. This was signed on 15th April, 2019 by Shri Satyendra Garg, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs on behalf of Government of India and Shri Jack Jimomi, Supervisor, GPRN/NSCN on behalf of NSCN/NK and by Dr. Amento Chishi, Supervisor & Shri Toshi Longkumer, Secretary on behalf of NSCN/R.
National Socialist Council of Nagaland/K-Khango has also re-entered into a fresh Ceasefire Agreement with the Government of India with effect from 15th April, 2019 for a period of one year. The new Ceasefire Agreement & revised Ceasefire Ground Rules were signed by Shri Satyendra Garg, JS, MHA on behalf of Government of India and Shri Newell Naga, Supervisor & Shri Michael Yeptho, Member on behalf of NSCN/K-Khango.
Special Service and Features
ASI Thrissur Circle to organize World Heritage Week celebrations at Bekal Fort, Kasargod from 19 to 25th November 2022
Kochi, 18 November 2022
Archaeological Survey of India, a premier organization comes under the Ministry of Culture every year conducts World Heritage Week Celebration from 19th to 25th November in all India level. The aim is to inculcate cultural awareness among the younger generation and general public towards better appreciation and valuing our rich tangible and intangible heritage.
This year Thrissur Circle of ASI is conducting World Heritage Week celebration at Bekal Fort in Kasaragod district from 19.11.2022 to 25.11.2022. This time a wide variety of academic cum cultural programmes are conducting for the benefit of the public and youth , said Superintending Archaeologist of Thrissur Circle.
The inaugural function will be held tomorrow  at Bekal Fort, the chief guest will release the Braille broachers on the centrally protected Temples and Forts under ASI Thrissur Circle.
Various heritage theme based competitions such as Drawing Competition, Quiz and Essay Writing etc. will be conducted for the student communities from 20th November to 24 November. On 24th a special cleaning camping involving school and college students is envisaged within Bekal Fort and premises. There will be Cultural programmes during all evenings .
The Valedictory function of World Heritage Week Celebration will be held on 25t November 2022 at Bekal fort. The Chief Guest will distribute the Prizes and certificates for the winners of completion, function will be followed with Music and Cultural Programmes.
Ministry of Finance
CBIC proactively put in place a COVID Response Plan  for speedy clearances of COVID-19 vaccines at all major airports
Recognizing that efficient and expeditious release of temperature-sensitive vaccines would be a critical requirement in the collective fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, CBIC has proactively put in place a COVID Response Plan   for speedy clearances of COVID-19 vaccines at all major airports.
CRP provides for setting up of wherein a COVID-19 Vaccine Response Team  at each Air Cargo/Courier Terminal. The CVRT will function as a single point of contact for all the clearance related to COVID-19 vaccine shipments and coordinate among the concerned stakeholders to ensure that vaccines are given instant delivery upon arrival. For this, the CVRT will develop a SoP  and sensitize traders on the requirements for instant release of vaccines.
Additionally, CBIC has enabled the import/export of vaccines in relation to COVID -19 through Courier, by issuing the Courier Imports and Exports  Amendment Regulations, 2020. The Courier Regulations earlier had certain limits on the value of goods that could be brought in through courier, whereas the amended regulations allow the import and export of COVID vaccines through courier without any value limit.
As the vaccines would be transported through special containers equipped with temperature monitoring and tracking devices, provision has also been made for their duty-free temporary admission.
CBIC would closely monitor the vaccine logistics to ensure their seamless movement at the borders and address any challenges that may arise in this regard.
The COVID-19 pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges disrupting global supply chains and slowing down economic activity. CBIC had acted with agility in tackling the crisis by introducing simplified customs procedures, reducing the scale of interventions, increasing the use of automation and instituting staff health protocols.
Ministry of Coal
With 16.39% Increase Coal Production Touches 607.97 Million Ton During April-December 2022
Coal India Achieves 15.82% Increase in Production
Captive/Other Companies Produce 81.70 Million Ton Coal
Coal Ministry Undertakes Steps to Augment Rail Connectivity to Enhance Transportation Efficiency
India’s coal production increased impressively by 16.39% to 607.97 MT during Apr-Dec’22 as compared to 522.34 MT produced during the same period of FY 22. CIL reported coal production of 479.05 MT up to December of FY 23 as compared to 413.63 MT during the same period of FY 22, representing an increase of 15.82%.
Ministry of Coal has paved the way for releasing additional coal in the market by greater utilization of mining capacities of captive coal blocks which has led to increase in production of coal by Captive and Other companies by 31.38% to 81.70 MT during Apr-Dec’22 as compared to 62.19 MT produced during the corresponding period of FY 22. The Ministry has also amended the Mineral Concession  Rules, 1960 under MMDR  Act, 2021 to allow lessee of captive mines to sell coal /lignite up to 50% of the total excess production after meeting the requirement of the end-use plants.
The Ministry is taking steps to augment rail connectivity infrastructure for all major mines under PM Gati Shakti to ensure faster evacuation. As a result, the total coal despatch have been to the tune of 637.51 MT during Apr-Dec’22 as compared to 594.22 MT during same period of FY 22 representing a growth of 7.28 % which shows steady and efficient amount of coal despatch to various sectors across the nation.
With an objective to enhance coal production capacity, Ministry of coal has put 141 new coal blocks for commercial auction and has been engaging regularly with various coal companies in the country and monitoring their production. The all-round efforts made to increase the domestic production and despatch have shown extremely good results.
Ministry of Defence
VICE ADMIRAL MA HAMPIHOLI ASSUMES COMMAND OF SNC
Vice Admiral MA Hampiholi, AVSM, NM took over the reins of the Southern Naval Command  as its 29th Flag Officer Commanding- in-Chief on 30 Nov 21. The Admiral replaced Vice Admiral Anil Kumar Chawla, PVSM, AVSM, NM, VSM, ADC who retired after close to four decades of yeoman service. Vice Admiral MA Hampiholi was the Commandant of the Indian Naval Academy, Kannur, Kerala prior to taking over this appointment. The Flag Officer, a native of Dharwad, Karnataka arrived in Kochi on 29 Nov 21 for taking over the new assignment.
A ceremonial parade, consisting of 16 platoons including 4 armed platoons and a 50 men “Guard of Honour” was held at the Naval base on the occasion, in which both the Admirals were accorded General Salutes and the parade concluded with a “March in Review Order”. Subsequently, both the Flag Officers carried out the formal handing / taking over in the office of the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief. Speaking to the members of the media, prior to his departure, Vice Admiral AK Chawla expressed satisfaction at the Command achieving its training goals in providing quality and trained manpower for the combat platforms. He also expressed happiness at the synergy achieved by the Command with the civil administration of the state in responding to different “Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief ” requirements.
On completion of the handing over, Vice Admiral AK Chawla was bid farewell by various Heads of Units, Commanding Officers, Chief Staff Officers, Officers, sailors and defence civilians of the Headquarters, SNC. The traditional pulling out ceremony, by the senior officers, officers and men of the Southern Naval Command was also held after the media interaction. Admiral AK Chawla was also presented a memento by the Office Bearers of Ernakulam Press Club on behalf of people of Kerala for supporting the State during challenging times.
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VM/AP/JSN
(Visitor Counter : 416
Ministry of Civil Aviation
Operations of domestic schedule commercial airlines to cease operation from the mid night 23.59 IST hours on 24/3/2020.
The operations of domestic schedule commercial airlines shall cease operations with effective from the mid night 23.59 IST hours on 24/3/2020.
Airlines have to plan operations so as to land at their destination before 2359 hours on 24/3/2020
The restrictions shall not apply to solely cargo carrying flights.
UPSC
Final Result of Indian Forest Service Examination, 2020
Based on the result of the written part of the Indian Forest Service Examination, 2020 held by the Union Public Service Commission on 28th February and 2ndto 7th March, 2021 and the interviews for Personality Test held in October, 2021, following is the list, in order of merit, of candidates who have been recommended for appointment to the posts in Indian Forest Service.
The number of candidates recommended for appointment under different categories are as under:
|
|
General
|
|
EWS
|
|
OBC
|
|
SC
|
|
ST
|
|
Total
|
|
25

|
|
10
|
|
34
|
|
13
|
|
07
|
|
8901 PwBD-1 vacancy remains unfilled due to non-availability of candidate.
Appointments shall be made strictly in accordance with the extant rules and the number of vacancies available. The number of vacancies reported by the Government are as under:
|
|
General
|
|
EWS
|
|
OBC
|
|
SC
|
|
ST
|
|
Total
|
|
37
|
|
09
|
|
24
|
|
13
|
|
07
|
|
90^
^ includes 04 PwBD vacancies 
The candidature of 13 recommended candidates with following Roll Nos. is provisional:
|
|
0514179
|
|
0801842
|
|
0803971
|
|
0806074
|
|
0843674
|
|
0856423
|
|
1017572
|
|
1304449
|
|
3809863
|
|
5606108
|
|
5607027
|
|
6417459
|
|
6605612
|
|
Union Public Service Commission has a ‘Facilitation Counter’ near Examination Hall Building in its Campus. Candidates may obtain any information/clarification regarding their Examination/recruitments on working days between 10:00 A.M. and 05:00 P.M. in person or over Telephone Nos. 011-23385271 and 01-23381125 from this Counter. The result will also be available on the UPSC Website i.e. www.upsc.gov.in. The mark sheets of candidates are likely to be made available on the Commission’s website within fifteen days from the date of declaration of the result.
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Prime Minister's Office
PM expresses happiness on UNESCO declaring Kakatiya Ramappa Temple a World Heritage site
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed happiness on UNESCO declaring Kakatiya Ramappa Temple a World Heritage site. He also urged people to visit this majestic Temple complex and get a first-hand experience of it’s grandness.
Reacting to a tweet by UNESCO, the Prime Minister said;
"Excellent! Congratulations to everyone, specially the people of Telangana.
The iconic Ramappa Temple showcases the outstanding craftsmanship of great Kakatiya dynasty. I would urge you all to visit this majestic Temple complex and get a first-hand experience of it’s grandness."
Ministry of Defence
Lt Gen RS Reen takes over as Director General Quality Assurance
Lt Gen RS Reen took over as Director General Quality Assurance on February 24, 2023. A 1986-batch officer, Lt Gen Reen is an alumnus of Indian Military Academy, Dehradun. The Officer had completed his BE  from National Institute of Technology, Srinagar, Specialisation in Radio Engineering and post-graduation in Communication Engineering from MC EME, Secunderabad. He was a senior faculty at Defence Institute of Quality Assurance, Bengaluru.
In addition, the Officer is a certified Six Sigma Black Belt from Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata. He has done certification in Reliability Engineering from IIT, Kharagpur and is Qualified Lead Auditor in Quality Management System & Integrated Management System from Bureau Veritas, Bengaluru. The Officer has headed a Senior Quality Assurance Estt., Brig at Headquarters, Directorate General of Quality Assurance  and was Controller  in Secunderabad. The Officer headed the DQA as Additional Director General  at HQ DGQA, New Delhi.
The DGQA is an Inter-Service Organisation functioning under the Department of Defence Production in the Ministry of Defence. It is responsible for second party Quality Assurance of all defence stores and equipment, both imported as well as indigenous, for the Indian Army, Indian Navy  and common user items for the Indian Air Force procured from private sector and public sector undertakings.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Local Programming on Akashvani AIR FM services
To ensure due space to local/regional programming on AIR stations of Prayagraj, Varanasi, Rohtak, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur, All India Radio has instructed the stations to carry the primary channel originating from the station, to ensure that local content relevant to the particular city/town/region is also available on FM.
In the light of few recent media reports which are falsely suggesting that Prasar Bharati is going to replace the broadcast of local content in local languages/dialects with Vividh Bharati National service at All India Radio stations in North zone, Prasar Bharati has clarified that local programming on FM will be ensured in all such stations.
These All India Radio stations have also been asked to limit their relay of Vividh Bharati National Service to only 4 hours a day, from 9 AM to 10 AM in the morning, 3 PM to 5 PM in the afternoon and 9 PM to 10 PM in the evening.
The morning announcement on the primary channels at above mentioned stations will also include the frequency details of the FM transmitter at that particular place.
These decisions were taken as part of streamlining of broadcasting operations of All India Radio in North Zone, which further strengthens/encourages local programming, by ensuring FM support to primary channels for availability of local content on FM.
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Research and Development for Increasing Agriculture Production
The National Agricultural Research System  under Indian Council of Agricultural Research  works to upgrade technology and provide quality seeds of newly developed crops to farmers. ICAR/NARS focuses on the development/adoption of new technologies such as high yielding and multi-stress resistant/tolerant and short duration varieties/hybrids in major crops. During the period from 2014 till August 2021, a total of 1656 varieties of 75 field and forage crops have been developed which include 797 varieties of cereals, 252 of oilseeds, 250 of pulses, 189 of fibre crops, 104 of forage crops, 54 of sugarcane and 10 of other crops. In addition, 288 varieties of horticultural crops have also been released and notified. ICAR has also developed several improved farm implements/machines and process protocols to increase efficiency, reduce cost of production and reduce post-harvest losses. Frontline demonstrations are conducted at the farmers’ field on the new varieties and technologies/ improved agricultural practices developed by NARS/ICAR by 727 Krishi Vigyan Kendras located at district level in the country to motivate them to adopt new and improved agricultural technologies.
The various research activities are implemented in the country through 103 ICAR Research Institutes, 63 State Agricultural Universities, 3 Central Agricultural Universities, 11 Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute and 727 Krishi Vigyan Kendras established in the country for undertaking research and development activities to increase agricultural production and minimize the losses in agricultural productivity.
During the year 2021-22 the Government has allocated an amount of Rs. 8513.63 crores  for undertaking agricultural research work.
At present there is no proposal for opening new research centres in states.
This information was given by Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shri Narendra Singh Tomar in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.